Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors captain Hong Jeong-ho has revealed that he advised Cho Gue-sung to snub a move to Europe amid interest from Celtic.
Ange Postecoglou's side were keen on the striker in the winter transfer window after he impressed for South Korea at the World Cup, with Bundesliga side Mainz also offering a route to Europe for the 25-year-old alongside the Parkhead side. In the end, he opted to remain in the K-League and work on his fitness with his countryman Hyeongyu Oh making the move to the Scottish Premiership from Suwon Bluewings.
With Gue-sung remaining vocal in his homeland about the prospect of a move to the English Premier League over other leagues, and Jeong-ho has opened up on the talks between himself and the frontman were vital in keeping him in South Korea until the summer. Ahead of opening the league campaign against Ulsan he admitted he was delighted that Gue-sung snubbed his exit opportunities.
The former Augsburg defender told X Sport : "I talked a lot with Gue-sung. Since I have experience in Europe, he also told me about my experience. Gue-sung makes the judgment, but I told him my thoughts."
"The judgment was made by Gue-sung. He thought of going out in the summer. It's so nice that we stayed. We've been training hard and working hard, so I think it's a season I'm looking forward to a little more."
Centre-back Jeong-ho reckons his teammate may have to prove himself all over again after turning down the exit options in the K-League to earn his dream move, adding: "In a way, Gue-sung has to show more, so it will be a burden.
"Looking at Gue-sung's amount of training and what he does. I think he will be able to do well enough."
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